Bowflex TreadClimber TC20Review

This machine provides the user with three different types of exercise equipment rolled into one. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC20 is able to perform the function of a treadmill, a stair climber and an elliptical trainer.

This ability to combine three different types of exercise machine into one unit has resulted in the "treadclimber" being one of the most popular cardio exercise devices on the market.

This is the top level machine out of the three models in the range and is electrically powered. Twelve intensity settings allow the workout to be customized to meet your comfort requirements and your experience level whether you are a beginner or expert.

Here are the main features:

… treadmill workout

The running surface is
split down the middle so that in actual fact there are two independently
powered surfaces. When the machine is put into "treadmill" mode,
however, the two running surfaces come together enabling the two running
surfaces to operate in unison and give the appearance and feel that you
are running on one uniform, rolling surface. In this configuration the device behaves exactly as a conventional treadmill.

… stairclimber workout

When the the machine is put into it's
"stairclimber" mode the two surfaces that were joined together to
form the treadmill running surface now act independently and form two
separate "treadles". The device may now be used as a conventional
"stairclimber" offering a good cardio workout, but with the added
benefits of low impact on the joints that this type of exercise affords.

... elliptical workout

Putting the machine into it's "elliptical" mode combines
the actions of the TC20 when in it's "treadmill" and "stairclimber"
mode and produces an action which is similar to the action of an
elliptical exercise machine. To achieve this the "treadles" move
independently as is the case with the "stairclimber" mode but
additionally the surface of each "treadle" moves like the surface on a
treadmill. This again results in a good cardio vascular, but
low impact workout.

... vary your intensity

The treadclimber allows you to select from a range of
twelve different intensity settings to enable you to adjust the amount
of resistance you wish to apply to your workout. You can adjust your
workout based upon your level of expertise or your comfort level.

... track your progress

A fully back lit LCD display provides useful information about your workout progress. On this display you are able to track your Speed, Distance, Time, Calories and Heart Rate during your workout.

… take the shock out of exercising

Walking and running are the most natural and enjoyable
forms of exercising you can engage in but the continual pounding can
take a toll on your joints.

With the device in either it's
"stairclimber" or "elliptical" mode the harmful impact on your ankles,
knees, hips and back is greatly reduced compared to running on a
treadmill.

... elliptical without restraints

Although conventional elliptical machines are able to
provide an excellent cardio vascular workout with minimal impact on your
joints they do have one drawback. This is because on a regular
elliptical machine your feet are locked onto the foot pad and can become
numb after some time. This is not the case with the elliptical mechanism
on this machine where your foot is able to move naturally and so avoids
this problem.

... GO Coach

The G.O. Coach workout is a programmable (goal oriented) workout. The goal is to climb the three landmark structures (a mountain, a tower, and a building) weekly.

As you work out, your progress on the current landmark structure is displayed with landmark segments. The Console records your G.O. Coach Workout values, so you can stop a workout and continue it at a later time.

The G.O. Coach weekly Progress Display provides a quick visual summary of where you are on your weekly goal. As you workout, segments on the progress display are shown. When all of the segments are shown, you have completed your weekly goal.

You are able to create two
personal, user profiles to record and display your progress toward your
weekly goals and the console will
track all your G.O. Coach Workouts for the week.

... safety key

The equipment comes with a safety key and
lanyard. In order for the device to be operational the key must be
present in the control console. This means that with the key withdrawn
the treadmill cannot be operated by unauthorized users such as small
children.

The safety key has a lanyard with a small plastic
clip attached to one end which can be clipped onto the users clothing.
If the user were to accidentally trip or fall the
key is pulled away from the console causing the machine to come to a stop.

… warranty details

The Bowflex TC20 tread climber is backed by a 3 year warranty on the entire machine.